The best new children's books to read this Christmas

Ages 0-5

Illustrated by Emanuela Mannello, Winnie the Pooh: A Cute and Cosy Colouring Book (Bonnier Books £7.99) is based on the works of AA Milne and EH Shepard. It’s a truly delightful way of introducing the wisdom and beauty of Pooh’s words about bravery, friendship and appreciation of nature, while also giving young children the opportunity to interact with the images by colouring them in and talking about them.

Part of the “Our World” series, Vietnam (Barefoot Books £7.99) is a robust and gorgeously illustrated board book written by Nhung N Tran-Davies, with artwork by Xuan Le. The story offers us an insight into life in Vietnam and is presented in both English and Vietnamese, with clear pronunciation guidance given for the latter. Whether children will be travelling to Vietnam or not they are sure to find a real feast of delights here.

In The Really Beautiful Thing (Andersen Press £7.99) by Frances Tosdevin and Ali Pye, Squirrel lives in an attractive, cosy drey, surrounded by good friends. However, he is fixated on purchasing an item which is sparkly and shiny and so overwhelmingly appealing that he feels driven to sell everything he owns to buy it. Almost immediately realising his mistake, he returns The Thing but is only given a tiny percentage of what he paid for it. Utterly despondent, Squirrel is then scooped up by his friends, who help him find and create a warm and welcoming new home – a haven in which they can all appreciate the value of being together and caring for each other. A book with a powerful message about what really matters in life.

Written by Simon Philip and illustrated by Lucia Gaggiotti, the funny and fast-paced I Really Want to Help! (Templar Books 7.99) introduces the reader to a little girl who, determined that nothing will be missed, has written her own “to do” list to prepare for Christmas. This appealing book, with enchanting, action-packed images, incorporates the most captivating rhyme and rhythm and ends with a delightful template for a letter to Santa. - CF

Ages 6-9

Made up of five unique stories, Wild Journey by AM Dassu, illustrated by Joe Lillington (Bloomsbury, £12) follows a murmuration of starlings flying across the globe. Each story focusses on a different child witnessing the birds on their journey from Africa to Europe. In every tale, characters face challenges and choices, finding themselves guided, comforted and connected by the starlings. Accompanied by gorgeous illustrations, this book presents big thoughts about the meaning of home, the beauty of the natural world and the importance of empathy in a way that feels accessible and enjoyable for young readers.

For those looking for a fun, festive read, The Very Last Christmas Present by Adam Baron (Harper Collins, £12.99) offers stockings full of uplifting Christmas magic. When Father Christmas discovers one present left behind on his crashed sleigh, his dog Kado must step up and save the day, and Lucy, the left-behind child, must keep her faith that she hasn’t been forgotten. The book gently weaves in environmental themes that encourage us to be mindful of over-consumption and look after our world, offering a timely message that gets at the true meaning of Christmas.

Bringing together some of the most fantastical stories from Scotland, Ireland, Wales, and beyond, Celtic Folk and Fairytales by Lari Don, illustrated by Elise Carmichael (Floris Books, £16.99) is the perfect book to send your imagination running wild. Readers will meet kelpies, selkies, changelings, imps and giants, stepping into ten carefully crafted worlds where anything is possible and unlikely heroes can emerge. New takes on familiar tales sit comfortably alongside lesser-known myths, meaning that there is magic here for every young dreamer. Lari Don’s skilful storytelling makes this a wonderful collection to read aloud and share with the family. - JE

Ages 8-12

Feel yourself transported to the wild Scottish coastline with The Horse Dreamer by Holly Surplice (Chicken House, £12.99). This tender story follows Merryn and her sisters as they adjust to the loss of their father. In desperate need of a friend, Merryn fashions a horse from driftwood and storm debris – and with a bit of magic (or is it just hope?) this impossible companion starts to arrive whenever Merryn needs him most. This book is alive with feeling, offering a journey through grief, quiet magic and the return of joy. Written in rich, poetic prose and dotted with sumptuous inky illustrations, it will resonate with young readers with big imaginations everywhere.

Ever wondered what life would be like in black and white? The Notted Island by Katherine Child (Flying Eye Books, £16.99) explores the community that colour forgot. To make matters worse, the people of the island have fallen out with their notte – the magical being responsible for bringing in the night sky every evening. With everybody else fretting and arguing, young Umbertiska Lump fills her pockets with cake and takes it upon herself (and her delightful band of river sprites, shadows, and one loyal dog) to put things right. Whimsical, unique and utterly charming, this light-hearted fantasy has all the makings of an instant classic.

When the Sky Falls: Graphic Novel from Phil Earle, adapted and illustrated by Fred Fordham (Anderson Press, £14.99), is a triumphant reworking of an award-winning modern classic. Set amongst the chaos of London in World War II, Earle’s story follows Joseph as he finds himself living with the cantankerous owner of a run-down city zoo. There, Joseph forms a bond with a silverback gorilla named Adonis. As the bombs fall, Joseph throws himself into protecting Adonis, whatever the cost. Earle’s story is immersive and deeply moving, and it’s illuminated anew in Fordham’s graphic novel adaptation. - JE

Scottish Book Trust’s Christmas Shop: Gifts that Give Back This Christmas, Scottish Book Trust invites you to explore its online shop, bursting with ideas for all ages. For the book lovers in your life, you can choose a new book subscription curated by Val McDermid, Chris Brookmyre and Jenny Colgan. Every month, a beautifully wrapped mystery book will be delivered, along with exclusive postcards from the curator, book recommendations from their expert team and more. The online shop also features literature-themed goodies including bookish slogan t-shirts, mugs, tote bags and pin badges. Some of the most popular items are the stylish book nooks and book lights, which are sure to make a great present. For little ones, Scottish Book Trust’s team of experts have curated an inspiring selection of gifts, including the ever-popular Squishy Bookbug Reading Cushion. There are also gift sets themed around favourite characters from children’s books, including The Gruffalo, Elmer and Peter Rabbit. All proceeds help fund more of the charity’s life-changing work. Visit www.shop.scottishbooktrust.com

READ MORE: Winter: The Story of a Season, by Val McDermid review: 'revealing'

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